Improvement in machines for cleaning boots and shoes



P.-0, TERHEUN 8L J. I. ACKERMAN.

Improvement in Maehnes fer Ceaning Boots and Shoes. No. 130,829..

Patented Aug. 27, 187.2. ZEIQH 4 5 Bevw...ew-

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

PETER o. TEHHEUN AND JoHN I. AcxEHMAN, or HoHoKUs, NEw JEEsEY,

IMPROVEMENT IN MACHINES FOR CLEANING BOOTS AND SHOES.

Specication forming part of Letters Patent No. 130,829, dated August 27, 1872.

Specification describing a certain Device for Cleaning Boots and Shoes, invented by PETER O. TERHEUN and JOHN I. AGKERMAN, of Hon hokus, Bergen county, State of New Jersey.

The object of our invention is to free the boots and shoes from dirt, dust, Sac., 4with less trouble and more thoroughly than has heretofore been done. The annoyance and trouble appertainin g to the freeing of boots and shoes from dirt, dust, &c., are felt by all. The cohesive natureof the dirt requires more than ordinary exertion to remove it. Our invention obviates all these difficulties and troubles by a simple device, which is easily constructed and built. It consists in placing upon a suit ble frame two movable brushes, which are made to move by the upward and downward motion of the foot.

In order to more fully describe our invention, we will refer to the accompanying drawing.

Figure I is a side view of our invention. Fig. II is a plan of the same.

A represents the frame or stand, to which is attached, by hinge, another frame, B, which is held in an inclined position by the spiral spring (1,.but prevented from ascending too far by a guard, b, on the upright ratchet D, which is securely fastened to the frame or stand A by screws or other suitable means, and has a curved form, as represented in Fig. I. Eis an axle, which has two wheels or cranks, I and J, fastened on its outer ends. On the center of this axle E is placed a cog-wheel, F, the teeth of the same fitting into the teeth of the upright ratchet D. G and Hare two movable bars, having at their lower endsV a groove, c, working on a pin, d, while the upper ends have rods e attached thereto, said rods working into rings f. By these devices the bars are held in their proper moving positions. Connecting these bars G H with the Wheels I and J are two connecting-rods, K L. -On the inner sides of these bars G H are fastened two brushes, M and N. O is a stand for the foot to rest upon, supported by two legs, g and h, having spiral springs encircling them for the purpose of lowering and heightening the stand or foot-rest by aid of the foot itself. I represents a scraper, in order to remove the dirt under the boot.

To operate our invention the operator first places his foot upon the stand O. By press-` ing his foot upon it it will force the frame B downward. It is obvious in so doing that the cog-wheel F is passed down the upright ratchet D, thereby causing the cog-wheel to rotate.

As it rotates it turns the wheels I and J, which,

being connected with the bars G and H by connecting-rods K and L, force them to move alternately back and forth. Having the brushes attached thereto, these also move.l The foot being in close contact with these brushes, it will be readily understood that by the force exerted by the backward and forward motion the brushes will remove the dust and dirt from with the guard b, axle E, wheels I and J, cogwheel F, the bars G and H, groove c, pin d,

rods e, rings f, connecting-rods K and L, brushes M and N, stand O, legs g and h, scraper P, substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore set forth.

PETER O. TERHEUN. JOHN I.-AGKERMAN.

Witnesses:

RICHARD GERNER, A. C. ORONDALL. 

